Oriental Orthodox Concentration

The M.Th. in Applied Orthodox Theology with Oriental Orthodox Concentration provides a graduate theological education across a range of topics – Scripture, Doctrine, Fundamentals of Orthodoxy, Liturgical Theology, Pastoral Theology, Church History, Patristics, and Canon Law – as well as courses which focus specifically on Oriental Orthodox tradition. An overview of the courses for this concentration is provided below. See also the more general description of the M.Th. Program in Applied Orthodox Theology.

Directed-Reading CoursesThe directed-reading courses for the Oriental Orthodox Concentration are a customized hybrid of those in the general Applied Orthodox Theology degree and the Youth Ministry Concentration, with three courses focused specifically on the Oriental Orthodox tradition. Courses are as follows:

Unit I:
• Fundamentals I: An Introduction to Orthodoxy
• Church History I: The Christian Church from its Foundation through the Seventh Century
• Liturgical Theology I: Introduction to Liturgical Theology, Baptism and EucharistUnit II:
• Church History II: Oriental Orthodox History after the Fifth Century*
• Holy Scripture I: Old TestamentUnit III:
• Holy Scripture II: New Testament
• Liturgical Theology II: Sanctification of Life
• Patristics I: The Fathers of the Church During the First Five Hundred YearsUnit IV:
• Patristics II: The Syriac Fathers*
• Doctrine I: The Doctrine of Knowledge In the Tradition of the ChurchUnit V:
• Doctrine II: The Orthodox Doctrine of the Holy Trinity
• Pastoral Theology I
• Doctrine III: Oriental Orthodox Christology*Unit VI:
• Master’s Thesis

*courses specific to the Oriental Orthodox Concentration

Directed-Project Courses
The directed-project courses of the Oriental Orthodox Concentration are offered in the spring semester of each year (Units II, IV, and VI). They will include a proposal submitted for approval to the Project Mentor; the directed Project itself; and a Project paper with supporting detail.

ResidencyAn intensive week-long Residency takes place in late August or early September of the first three academic years, and is held at the Antiochian VIllage Conference & Retreat Center in western Pennsylvania.

Master’s Thesis
Students who successfully complete the required coursework of the Oriental Orthodox Concentration, and who hold a Bachelor’s degree, may enter the final phase of the Master’s Degree program which will include research and thesis composition focusing on a practical need in the Oriental Orthodox tradition. The student is advised to begin thinking about his or her thesis no later than the spring semester of the second year. Preparation would include the following:
• Presentation of a Thesis Proposal (abstract)
• Thesis research and preparation
• Completion and defense of the Master’s thesis focused on the Oriental Orthodox tradition

For a more detailed description of the Oriental Orthodox Concentration, including course descriptions, please see pp. 24-27 of the AHOS Catalog.